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Jagger, Mud Worm Leader

Marsh Flats, Lizardfolk, Male

Appearance

Description

Personality

The Marsh Flats have recently become more civilized, with other people coming into the land to build, and several different clans that called the swamp home have become united. They are starting to come together, creating communities and working as one.  The Mud Worms is a gang of locals who wish to see the old days return, they want to cast out civilizations and wish to see the clans back at war with each other. Jagger is their leader, a man who killed the previous leader, taking his title and radicalizing those who were tired of bending a knee to civilization.

Jagger is a very angry, violent man who cares not for much in life. He thrives in combat and lives battle. He has a deep hatred for outsiders and wishes to wage war on those outside the Marsh Flats. His current goal is to break up the clans and evoke chaos.

It was a brisk, winter day in the marsh flats, with many people out and about using the warm daylight to get things finished. A small caravan of soldiers from Thunderhoof had arrived in a small out post village on the outskirts of the marsh. This village was often used by travelers as a pit stop, a place to rest and resupply on their way to Gazablaak. Today however, a platoon of ten soldiers and a handful of escorts were bringing a cart of supplies in, a routine delivery aimed at helping the Marsh Flats grow. 

Over the last few months an increased effort was being made to bring the Marsh Flats into a more civilized light. an alliance had been made between the swamp and King's Valley, with many of the leaders from Thunderhoof trying to influence the on goings here. Todays shipment was one of many attempts to reinforce this area, connecting the smaller, lesser known villages with Gazablaak, which has seen a rise in progress and establishment. 

A cool afternoon breeze blew through the swamp as the large wooden wagon, pulled by two horses, made its way into the village. A handful of locals watched from their huts and homes as armored guards with hired mercenaries began to unload crates and barrels. This was a common activity now, with many of the locals aware of what was going on. Most of them were open to the expansion, with many of those who called this swamp home even lending a hand and helping the envoy from King's Valley. 

There were some however who saw this as a sleight against the people of the region. A group known as the Mud Worms had dedicated itself to fighting back and resisting the rest of the worlds desire to control the region. Progress brought its own problems, and there were many who grew up here who saw the progression of civilization as a bad thing. Raids and attacks had become a common scene in the swamp, with many members of the rebel group using ambush style tactics to delay and even destroy attempts at advancement. 

Unfortunately for the envoy from Thunderhoof, today was a day chosen for such a raid, and this small little village was about to become the scene of a violent battle. As the soldiers quickly worked to unload the supplies, a strange cry could be heard from out in the marsh. At first no one paid any mind to it, its was not rare to hear strange sounds coming from the swamps. However after a few minutes another cry was heard, this time from a different direction. A few of the guards took notice, some freeing their weapons in preparation for a disturbance. What they did not realize was that 20 members of the Mud Worms were patiently waiting out in the bog, having been spying on the village for several hours. 

This was not a random spur of the moment attack though, for the leader of the Mud Worms, a large lizard folk known as Jagger, was leading this charge. His men were ready, the village was primed and the guards were busy with unloading their shipment. One final whistle echoed out, giving the signal to make their move. Within seconds a variety of beast like individuals descended on the village. Lizard folk, Goblins, Gnolls, Kobolds, and other native creature types were now rushing across the swampland, armed to the teeth with all kinds of weapons and gear. It was obvious, they were not here to negotiate. 

Xalmann stood hidden behind a tree, waiting for the signal. He was born a raider, everyone in his village was. He didn't care for the advancement promised by the people of King's Valley. The death of his tribe's tradition. A tradition that now rested solely on him with the death of his tribe. The Bloody Axes wouldn't die as long as he lived. He refused to serve under another, refusing to join the Mud Worms just as he had refused to serve even under Granth, but he would aid them in this fight.

Xalmann saw a lot of similarities between himself and Jagger. They were both Lizardfolk , for one. One of the few people Xalmann could speak to comfortably, in his native tongue. They were both violent, born to fight. Xalmann lived for battle, one of the few things he was good at. Xalmann was used to war between the different tribes throughout the swamps. He had lived through many. It was a surprise that a raid from another tribe hadn't been what ended his tribe, but Dagon. He would have preferred it to have been a raid.

Xalmann heard the signal and joined the fight, rushing forward with his axe and dagger at the ready. He ran forward into the fray along with all the other raiders he was working beside now.

The cool afternoon air in the wintery marsh was not entirely unpleasant, but Del herself was quite bundled up, despite how much she enjoyed it. Previous forays into this region had been... difficult to say the least. Whatever had happened in her past here, this was yet another place that she had been recognized, and the terrain favoured the people who lived in the area far more than it did her. Being stalked and narrowly able to shake these fell shadows was not at all a comfortable feeling. Hiding her face was the smartest solution here. Besides, she only needed to finish restocking her supplies and she could leave with the Thunderhoof Envoy caravan on the return.


The noises from the marsh had her on edge, though. There was something eerily familiar about those interspersed noises, unable to tell precisely from where they came from, feeling haunted by them. Del knew there was a fair amount of unrest in this region, but she tried hard not to be involved. She was already not in the best of graces with the people of this area, and she did not need to make things worse. Thinking--hoping-- that she was maybe just being paranoid, she quietly gathered what else she would need for the trip out of the marsh, and set about waiting.

And then, they descended.

Thrown into chaos immediately, Del found herself moving quickly into shadow, shifting as the shade fell over and obscured her entirely from view. She took a couple of panic laden moments to watch; She empathized greatly with the indigenous people of this region, trying to uphold their way of life and banish the people who were outside it. There was a flicker of righteous anger in her stomach that said 'good'. She could just walk away. She could.

But there was a scream of pain and terror and Del found herself moving again, sticking to the shadows before coming upon an advancing pair of goblins on a running pair of humans. Villagers. Colonizers. People. The swords flashed and one fell. Del dashed from the shadows to slide down, sweeping her leg under the assailing goblin to knock them on her back. Using the momentum from her sweep, she rebouned swiftly to her feet, looking up at the human.

"You need to go," She commanded, gesturing back "Fall back to the wagons, before the roads are cut off. You don't have much time. Get whoever you can!"

She faced off with the two before her, the goblins with the swords; she didn't want to kill any of them, not a one, but she would try to make sure that as many people lived through this as possible, if she could. There were young and elderly here, people who could get easily mixed up in this if they were not careful. She had to do something. "I'm not here to fight you, just let me--"

One of the goblins flashed forward with their blade, swinging hard at her while the other came in on the side for a fierce stab. With no real protection to speak of, the blade slashed across her arm as Del twisted, redirecting the stab so the two goblins could collide with one another, sending them into a chaotic sprawl. Then, she took off, trying to assist or help survivors get out in one piece.

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SKILLS:

1) Shadow Hiding (used and broken)

2) Martial: Unarmed - Master

Shaa had been traveling for several days and he had finally had a chance to relax. He had no guild business, no people to save, just the gentle breeze of nature and a small lunch to keep him company. Shaa had spent a good portion of his life alone on the road so this scene seemed more natural to him than anything else.

Opening the small wicker basket, Shaa pulled out a sandwich, a handful off cookies, some cheese and a small jug of meed that he had managed to squirrel away for just such a day. He was just about to tuck in when he could feel tremors in the ground. What in the heck? He was about to get up but then thought better about it. No. No adventures today. No demons, no cultists, no band of rabid baby eating goblins. No. It’s just me and my picnic. Just a nice….the hell!??

Over the hill, a well armed Kobold burst over the hill screaming yyaaghhhh! Shaa manages to roll out of the way as the kobold lands with a thud right smack in the middle of his basket. Son of a  The grizzled Kobold, armed with a rough hewn hand axe , takes a downward swing towards Shaa’s head. Knocking the axe back with his horns, Shaa manages to scramble up to his hooved feet. Bro! What is your deal?! Shaa can see by the look on the kobolds face that he means business. He does not recognize him so the attack is confusing to say the least.

Die usurper! The kobold screams. Usurper? Buddy, you have the wrong Mino…. Not allowing him to finish, the kobold strikes again with a slash to the side. Shaa grabs the axe by the flat of the blade and yanks it out of his hand. The kobold gets a surprised look on his face as Shaa crumples his snout with a hard right hand. The kobolds legs buckle as he takes a seat into Shaa’s sandwich. Tossing the axe to the side, Shaa looks the kobold in the face without blinking. You have 5 seconds to explain or I am going to make you flatter than that sandwich…

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Horns
Steel Catch
Stunning Blows

The first wave of the attack was quick, being composed of fast and nimble goblins and kolbolds. They darted across the open swampland, bare feet splashing puddles of chilled mud as their shrieks and war cries echoed through out the village. Within seconds chaos erupted, panic flowing through the villagers and soldiers as the situation dawned on them. They had little time to defend themselves as a flood of knee high creatures tore through the streets. They were attacking anyone they could find, destroying property and causing total mayhem as the soldiers from Thunderhoof tried to compose themselves, pulling free their weapons and jumping into the fray.

Delaela, a female elf who had stopped here to resupply, was now darting through the streets, protecting the locals and trying their best to stay out of the way. A few of the men had taken up arms, pitch forks, axes and hammers now gripped tightly as they joined in on the fight, backing up the men who had risked their lives to deliver the goods. Shaa, a local legend around the fighting pits, had also been in the area, enjoying a nice relaxing meal, before being interrupted by the ambush. A goblin tore through his camp, wildly trying to stab the minotaur and refusing to relent, even as the massive man slammed it into the ground.

A few brief moments passed as the second wave now stalked across the marsh, massive, hulking warriors slowly making their way towards the village that was now in full panic. Xalmann, another local lizardfolk who belonged to a fallen tribe, had decided to join his kinfolk, participating in an age old tradition of raiding. The red lizardfolk was one of several large beast, ranging from lizardfolk, to naga, bugbears, orcs and other terrifying creatures, all who had pledged their allegiance to Jagger, a wickedly mean navy lizardfolk who was now leading the charge.

Metal clashed against metal, screams filled the air as blood splattered the ground and mixed with the earth. The second wave was now moving through the crowds, slaughtering and destroying everything they could get their hands on. They were ruthless and unrelenting, making sure to leave their message. One of the soldiers, a tall man wielding a pike, came running up from behind Xalmann, thrusting the weapon forward and trying to pierce his red scales. Jagger on the other hand scanned the perimeter, staying back and letting his men handle the easy part. This place was a hot spot for travelers, and it was common for random passing by civilians to just walk up on the village. He didn't need any complications.

Xalmann looked back as he heard the soldier running toward him, their pike pointed directly toward his chest. He pivoted on his foot, swinging his axe and smacking the pike to the side with the back of the axe. With the polearm deflected, he stepped forward, too close to the man for the long pike to be effective anymore. Xalmann pitied the man who was just trying to protect his home or the cargo, but he showed no mercy. He stabbed his dagger into the soldier's stomach. The man froze with a look of horror on his face, leaving him completely open as Xalmann extracted the dagger and slashed across the man's throat. Not even worth using any of the fiery magic within him.

Xalmann glanced back for only a second at the leader of this raid, Jagger, waiting outside the combat. He didn't like that he hadn't joined in the battle. All of these warriors were so devoted to him, but he sat by and watched them fight. It was strategic, Xalmann knew, but he still didn't like it. It wasn't the way things worked in his tribe. He only respected those who he had seen prove themself in combat. Unlike all the others, Xalmann hadn't pledged his allegiance to Jagger, only agreeing to assist with this raid. No matter his leadership skills or reputation, Xalmann wouldn't bend his knee to Jagger until he had seen the Lizardman fight with his own eyes.

Xalmann looked away from Jagger as another soldier approached, this time with a sword. They were easily dispatched with a swing of his axe. He didn't bother chasing civilians. He would only fight actual threats. The others could chase the civilians down. He looked at them all screaming and running chaotically. Xalmann walked toward one of the wagons that was filled with the goods being shipped to Gazablaak. Two of the guards approached from the wagon, one with a shield and a sword, the other with a pike again.

Xalmann deflected the pike in much the same way as he had done before, stepping into close range with the pike wielder to stab them with his dagger. Unexpectedly, the guard simply let go of the polearm and pulled their own dagger on the Lizardman, slashing at his arm. The dagger left a shallow slash in his scales as it swiped across them. Xalmann was almost impressed by their effort. He plunged the dagger into their stomach, freezing them in horror, but didn't have time to slash their throat as the other guard ran forward and stabbed forward with his sword. Xalmann deflected the sword to the side with his dagger and swung his axe under his dagger arm, hooking it on the side of the shield the man was holding in front of him and knocking it to the side. Both arms to the side, Xalmann kicked the man in the stomach, his tail on the ground behind him to keep him balanced and lend more strength to the kick, and sent him sprawling backward on the ground. He slashed with his axe at the pike wielder's throat, nearly decapitating him as he stood frozen.

The soldier with the sword and shield rose back to his feet, ready to continue the fight. Xalmann raised his axe and dagger at the ready.

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Dagger of Torment
Battle Axe
Prehensile Tail

The situation was going from bad to worse at a rapid pace. No matter how many people she guided around corners and shooed out of the village and into hiding the second the coast was clear, there were a dozen more she could not save. Something hot and angry was settling in the middle of her chest as the massacre dragged on, a particular type of anguish that felt molten. She made sure that feeling stayed locked in her chest-- she didn't want to kill the gang that was rolling through here. That would just solidify their reason for this, become a decisive call to action for any number they lost, to encourage the rest of the clans to come back to their warring ways, but she would do what was necessary if she had to. Gods help her, she hoped it wouldn't be. The villagers, the civilians, needed to break free as fast as they could, but in order for them to do that, Del would need to buy them time.

The problem was, she was just one person, and most of everyone else was fighting for their lives. She was a good fighter, moving like water through attacks that she dodged to extricate people when she could, but the dwindling villagers were outnumbered and the large minotaur seemed... busy. She needed a distraction.

Some of her methods were more risky than others. Del was able to knock free a barrel at the bottom of a stack, attempting to send the whole cascade of ale tumbling onto and into the path of some of the advancing Mud Worms, which was easier when she could hide among shadows. Other times, though, she baited as many as she could, trying to lead them into an ill-advised trap where she would bring down one of the large awnings keeping the moisture off the streets behind her and onto the Mud Worms. For her trouble, she wound up with a bleeding head wound from a well-aimed sling-thrown stone and some bone bruises from a tumble off a roof, but it had to be worth something, the few lives she had been able to extricate so far.

Jagger she tried to stay away from as much as possible, but it would only be a matter of time before he was notified, or at the very least, noticed similar guerilla and subterfuge tactics that they had been employing being used in concert with them, trying to box them in or at the very least, slow them down. Having to move at the pace of the people she was trying to help survive was the hard part. With the arm of an elderly man with an injured leg thrown over her shoulder, her gaze flicked left in time to notice the large lizardman at the edge of the battle, eyes widening.Hoping to escape their notice before heads turned her way, she quickly bent to scoop the man up to carry him faster out of view and to safety.

Shaa was finally getting somewhere. After some figurative and literal arm twisting, the kobold finally thought better of his situation ( being upside down, held by his toes) and relented to some brief questioning.

Free me wretched bull man so I can slay you properly! The crusty, not nearly as well armed as previously, kobold sneered. Now now, you have already ruined my lunch with your smelly butt. Don’t ruin my dinner with the memories of your innards all over my campsite. Now, why in the green hills of Braddock did you attack me? Orders, we must slay all. All? Shaa pressed. Pilgrims, soldiers, USURPERS! Shaa was even more confused. Orders? Just who sent this pain in the tookus after him? And who was he supposed to be after? Then Shaa remembered seeing the caravan a couple days ago from Thunderhoof village. They had said something about settling. But those guys had trained soldiers, a couple of odiferous kobold would be no match surely. Then he remembered the tremors, heavy tremors.

Shaking the kobold by his toes, he presses him further. Just how many of you are there? Despite the pain, the kobold clams up. Stamping the ground to create a kobold sized hole, Shaa drops him feet first in the tiny pit and seals the hole, effectively burying the warrior up to his neck, so that only his head is above ground.  Ugh! Release me! Yeah yeah, gimme a minute. Shaa jogs a short distance towards the tiny village he saw earlier and his stomach drops. Several people, wounded and bloody, are fleeing for their lives. Among them, a small girl of no more than eight, was clutching a doll, bloody from a large gash in her forehead. Run Diana, run! The young girl’s mother cried as a pair of Gnoll chase after them with spears, rearing to strike.

Shaa quickly bulls out to the road. The young mother and child are too panicked to notice him until they are right up on him. Suddenly, they look up and see the giant Minotaur and a look of absolute terror crosses their faces. They freeze in panic, no words able to escape them. Shaa gently reaches down and pushes them behind and past him, focused in the oncoming Gnoll. Please go…I got this. He says kindly as the first of the Gnoll launch a spear directly at his snout. Shaa snatches the spear out of mid air, like a frog catching a fly. Turning it around deftly in his hand, he returns the spear so hard that it pierces the Gnoll’s chest and plants him solidly into a nearby wall, like a bug on display. His companion goes wide eyed and thinks better of tossing his own spear. 

Recovering from the initial shock, the second Gnoll bravely and somewhat stupidly charges Shaa directly with spear in hand. The memory of the bloody girl still fresh in his brain has left Shaa feral but focused. He was going to hurt this guy. He waits patiently for the Gnoll to strike him with his spear as he charges. As he does, Shaa side steps the strike, grabbing the shaft of the spear, pulling the repentant Gnoll within arms reach. Right hand holding the spear, he takes his left hand and grabs him by his hairy throat, hauling him off the ground. The Gnoll releases the spear and tries to extract himself from the Minotaur’s iron grip on his throat with no success. Shaa walks him over to the wall where the Gnoll’s companion was hanging and repeatedly bashes his head into it until it finally breaks through, leaving his lifeless body hanging from the wall like a old coat. Wiping the blood and grime from his hands on the leather vest of the first Gnoll, Shaa eerily whispers to them. You two just hang out over here for a minute. Somebody owes me a sandwich.

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Soil Surfing 
Iron Grip
Bulls Strength
Bare Hands- deflective enchantment 

Chaos continued to ensue as Jagger's followers moved through the village, which was now in total shambles. The majority of the homes had been ravaged, the supplies being hauled off and what was left of the soldiers were fighting for their lives. Most of the civilians that had been lucky enough to survive the first wave were now rushing away from the village, darting into the marshy swampland. With the help of Delaela and other brave interveners, the majority of people who called this place home were able to flee, getting away with minor cuts and wounds, people who would have otherwise been killed were now able to flee and seek safety in other neighboring villages.

Jagger watched as people flooded away from the village, grinning as their fear and terror brought joy to the raider, it was a sensation he reveled in. These random civilians were not his target though, so he did not order his men to chase them down, and instead directed them towards the handful of soldiers and guards left. He was going to send a message to those who thought they could just come in and take over what had belonged to them for thousands of years. But before the large Lizard man could enter the village, something caught his attention.

A massive minotaur was now making its way directly towards the village proper, and he looked mad. Minotaur's were not a common thing to find in this part of the world, making seeing one an extremely rare occurrence. Jagger knew exactly who this man was though, a powerful warrior who had made a name for himself in the fighting pits of Gazablaak. Jagger had never met the man before, but had heard of his conquest throughout the region. The Minotaur made quite a name for himself and had earned a reputation among locals. If he was here, then he most likely was not on Jagger's side, and would cause a problem for his men still in the village.

The tall, navy blue Lizard man cracked his knuckles and grinned, turning away from the village and now moving towards Shaa in an attempt to cut him off. There were still supplies to gather and soldiers to fend off, so his men in the village needed more time, and the introduction of a savage Minotaur would surly hinder their jobs. Jagger knew what he needed to do, fend this man off long enough for the job to finish, and maybe humble him at the same time. With his adversary rushing towards the village, Jagger put himself in a position to intercept the man, making it obvious he had no intentions of letting Shaa past him.

The large lizard man distracted by the large minotaur man, it seemed, Del ran fast to the woods with the man in her arms, towards the girl, mother and the others who had congregated in the safe place Del had been leading the survivors to. They knew the area better than she, by far, so when she told them to go, and find safety, not a soul among them hesitated. She takes a moment to stand alone in the chill, loamy forest, surrounded by a suffocating quiet, before another dying scream back at the village snaps her back to work.

Del is not a fan of the soldiers. She knows why they are here, and understands their complicitness. But one of those are screams of people nonetheless, being slaughtered en masse. Some doubtless out on a mission they thought would be an easy first one to be sent on. Did they deserve that terrifying death?

She flies down the road, towards a congregating group of goblins and lizard men who are advancing on the soldier's positions. As she sprints, one hears, turning to look at the woman barrelling down on them like a runaway carriage, opening their mouth to warn their comrades, but Del hits the ground with her leg extended, sliding straight into the ankles and knees of the group, and sending many of them tumbling to the ground.

Able to get their footing again, it was likely that the soldiers would see the opportunity and try to turn the tide on their aggressors, when she again steps in, rerouting both of these small groups by unpinning the brake in a wagon and hhaving it smash into the building between them, separating them both. This time, so out in the open, people noticed, and there are more of them than before.

"I don't--" Is all she has time to get out before spears are flashing towards her chest and swords at her neck. Del rolls back and to the left, shoulder slamming into a wall as she is shoved from the side by a shield. Del snarls, and kicks forward with the same intent as to break down a door, sending the lizard man flying backwards and to the ground. There's a sizable dent in the center of that shield that Del does not process, because she is, again, running.

Maybe she can get most of the Marsh warriors to chase and hound her, long enough for the soldiers to regroup and, hopefully, fall back. She didn't fully expect it to work-- she was one person, and they were many and actually had armor and weapons. So, Del would do their best to try and convince them that there was more of her, much, much more than there was.

The town is already in disarray, so she doesn't mind lighting certain greenery aflame with the fires already burning. The green moss does not burn well and therefore shouldn't spread, but it does produce a horrible, acrid black smoke, as greenery doesn't burn clean. Creating a smoke screen to hide behind and between should, in theory, help Del and obscure the Mud Worm's visual lines and communication, and, she hopes, convince the soldiers that this is a lost cause and force them into a retreat. But she has to work fast, as some of the ones she had kicked are in very hot pursuit indeed.

It was not easy to out-guerilla guerilla tactics, but she was doing her damndest. She would check on that Minotaur when there was time, if he required back up. At the moment, he certainly had seemed in very good spirits indeed.

As Shaa left the two two Gnoll corpses hanging silently on the wall, he started to make his way into town. Further and further in, he could see the signs of intense battle and destruction in every direction. He was seeing very few actual townspeople however. Hopefully, most of them had escaped the fighting by this point. The acrid smell of smoke and blood was everywhere. It was so thick it made Shaa want to take a bath to get the stink out of his snout.

He hadn’t made it very far when a large crusty looking blue lizard man stepped directly into his path. Unlike all of the other idiots that Shaa had encountered, this guy wasn’t blindly running at him. He had taken a very cool and calculated posture, blocking Shaa from the rest of the town. Looking him up and down, Shaa could tell this guy was no stranger to fighting. If the the scars and weapons weren’t enough of a clue, that look would’ve been enough. He had THAT look. That kind of unblinking stare into your soul that says “ I would eat your mother if I had the chance” That look between fighters that says “I hate you and only one of us is getting out of here” It was a look that Shaa knew well and usually ended with the cops showing up and everyone around having a really bad day. Why was the universe always conspiring against him?

So. You must be the genius who thought it would be a good idea to send a Kobold into my lunch. I got to say, I am not a super big fan of yours at the moment. Shaa watched and attempted to see if he could goad some information out of the fighter, however unlikely that was. Looking around, he continued Cant say I like what you have done with the place either. It’s got that kind of  “ I’m a village torn up by a bunch of smelly, stupid, butt goblins” kind of look. The burning houses and fleeing villagers is a little played out if you know what I mean. So why don’t you and the dunderhead brigade just to back to the swamp and take turns counting knuckles and licking tree stumps or whatever it is you do for fun. What do you say?

Shaa wasn’t getting anywhere with this guy. No? Ughh fine. Have it your way. Can’t say I didn’t give you a fair shake. I yaaagggghh! Before Shaa could continue, a very oblivious goblin ran at him from the side with a small dagger on hand. Shaa casually disarms him and picks him up by the leg. Sorry, where was I? Oh yeah. I have good news for you and bad news. Good news is that no matter how many times I punch you in the face, you can’t possibly get any uglier. Your obviously hideous girl .. lizard friend will be happy about that. Bad news is that you guys have pissed off the wrong Minotaur and you are going to regret coming here today. Despite the banter, the image of the bloody girl was still with him. You WILL regret it. As hard as he can, Shaa tosses the goblin right at Jagger’s face like a puss faced shot put. Maybe that would get his attention. Shaa’s very soul stirs with rage as his family gathers around him in solidarity.

---

Bulls Strength
Improvised Weapons 
Devoted Spirits

Xalmann finished his fight with the guard swiftly, his axe slicing through their neck, and looked toward the source of some heavy footsteps. Oh great, he's here. That minotaur he'd gone searching for the Sol Stone with along with the Halfling. He was definitely a powerful warrior and would be some trouble, but Xalmann didn't believe he was invincible as some people claimed. Jagger stepped forward, finally entering the fray himself, to confront Shaa.

Xalmann was a little conflicted. He wanted to see Jagger fight, but he also wanted to fight Shaa himself. No, he had other things to deal with right now and this would be a good opportunity to gage the might of the leader of the Mud Worms. He shouldn't interfere unless asked to. Jagger wasn't his leader, but they were on the same team right now. He would help him if he needed it. But for now, he looked to see several fires being started around the place and confusion spreading amongst them. Someone else was causing trouble as well.

The pyromancer Lizardman walked forward and waved his axe, the burning foliage ceasing immediately. The smoke began to clear and Xalmann looked around for the one causing the mess. He saw one woman running around, several other Lizardfolk in hot pursuit. Xalmann raised his axe and reeled it back before throwing it. It spun in the air, leaving a swirling streak of orange glow in its wake until it implanted itself in the wooden wall of a building just in front of where Delaela was running toward.

---

Control Flames

What was left of the few soldiers were now grouping together, trying to create a barrier between them and the waves of enemies trying to get them. They were barely holding on, but as an unseen force began to move through the village, causing even more chaos, the attention of the goblins and kobolds were now being pulled away, a small band of lizard folk chasing after a woman who had apparently been helping the civilians escape. Xalmann along with the other, stronger warriors were now gathering to intercept the woman, Jagger having bigger things to worry about at the moment.

A thin, lizard tongue would quickly slitter from under Jaggers closed mouth, a sign of irritation as the clan leader stood there and listened to this massive thing ramble on and on. For a pit fighter he sure did like to talk. Jagger's eyes narrowed as the brute lifted and tossed one of his smaller minions at him, a goblin who Jagger caught in mid air, easily. His scowl turned into a grin as he set the goblin down and commanded it to run back into the village. His neck cracked from side to side as he took two steps towards Shaa, his mind running through thousands of different scenarios. He did not know much of this mans ability, but knew he was powerful and not to be taken lightly, but neither was Jagger.

Within seconds the lizard mans eyes turned red, anger welling up within the man as he entered a rage like trance, blood beginning to course through his veins, making him stronger and more savage. The lizards scaly exterior began to flex as well as his size increased, the already massive brute now growing to be just under fifteen feet tall. Now enraged and ready to kill, Jagger allowed a howl to ring out, filling the empty swampland. The shout would drive fear and worry into the hearts of anyone who could hear it, causing them to become instantly afraid of the massive lizard.

Now pumped up and Shaa hopefully taken off guard, Jagger darted across the gap between him and his prey, the anger within him forcing his body forward, allowing him to move quicker than normal, closing the gap in an instant. His right fist was now closed and raining down towards Shaa's cheek, taking the chance to strike while he could. The lizard man's left fist was already rising upwards for a second strike, setting up a combo attack from two different directions. If the first punch landed it would be enough to falter the man, causing the second strike to find its mark.

---

- Activated Berserker's Rage
- Activated Blood Cry
- Used Rampaging Juggernaut:
- Using Two-Piece

Damn-- what was going on with her fires? The smoke seemed to be thinning out, even as fast as she was moving, avoiding the Mud Worm's behind her as she cleared barrels, slid under wagons, and generally kept herself moving to avoid pursuit, causing chaos and confusion.^[1]

But, she was only one person, and it wasn't long before she was spotted by keen eyes.

THWACK. Del immediately finds herself halted, just as an axe splinters the wood next to her head, sparkin with embers. Exhaling a shaky breath for the one beat she allowed herself while taking a wary glance at the large Lizardman who had flung it at her, the group pursuing her caught up, weapons ready and filled with the thrill of catching their prey. Without hesitating, mudstained and bloody face pulled back in a snarl, she grabs the axe and rips it out of the wall, and hurls it towards the group with both hands. It's doubtful that it collides with someone in any meaningful way, as Del is not so skilled in the art of axe throwing, but the intent is only to obstruct and pause the onslaught, to prevent the whole group from rushing her at once. And if someone winds up with an axe in their chest, or a sore foot from where it lands, so be it.

Del really didn't want to do this. But if that was so, why was her blood singing?^[2]

She takes a step back, unclasping  the cloak she wore to protect against the cold to hold across her shoulders. As the first Mud Worm dashes up, Del whips the cloak around her shoulders and forward, like casting a net in front of the Lizardman. He was not fooled, slashing at the cloak before him, but that instant of obscuration allowed Del the exact time she needed to switch position and strike, kicking out at the Mud Worm's midsection with enough force to send them flying back into their opponent. Snagging the torn piece of her cloak in the air, snapped to the left to dodge a spear aimed for her midsection, and used the cloth around the shaft of the spear, twisting it with enough leverage to pop it from the Mud Worm's grasp. Using her foot, she kicked it up into the air, and as it spun, kicked it back at the Mud Worm. One goblin Del simply lifts and hurls like a stone, bending the dagger she had carried and tossing it to the side.

It's a steady, concise rhythm of fast switches and using her opponents momentum against them. She is a whirlwind of precise and coordinated movements against the storm of her foes. Del strikes at joints, soft areas, necks, eyes, to break down their structure and stability to make them easier to disarm. She uses the cloth to yank necks, blind eyes, and twist apart joints. Despite her clear skill, though, she is not unscathed; her head rings from being struck by the flat of an axe blade, and she is sure her rib is cracked, but Del knows nothing at the moment beside the rhythm of combat, and the desire to keep her enemies down.

As she destroys the knee of the last Lizardman that had sliced part of her clothes with their spear by kicking the joint backwards into itself, she takes the spear and snaps it over her thigh. Armed with nothing but the ragged, bloody cloth in her hand, her brown, muscular arms glinting with sweat, she turned to the one who had thrown the axe at her.

The Lizardfolk was big, with red scales and a resolute intent in Xalmann's eyes that Del knew well. Battered, bruised, and bloody, Del holds the strip between both of her hands, her own amber eyes blazing. "You've done enough. I've done you the courtesy of leaving your people alive. Leave." It's a tight command, from the stubborn set of her jaw. She, at least, wasn't going anywhere.

---

^[1] Cat's Grace

^[2] Unarmed Master

As Shaa watched the grizzled Lizard Man yell and contort himself into a pitiless scaled ball of rage and ulcers, he felt a horrible tingle in his very bones. In his years of adventure, Shaa had fought all sorts of people. Guys with knives, swords, fireballs, undead minions, enchanted waffles, the list goes on. And yes, even berserkers. Heck, some of Shaa’s very best Minotaur friends dove deep into the pools of wrath and unbridled chaos. Shaa was very familiar with the feeling of terror now invading his extremities. 

But fear was not necessarily a bad thing. Fear keeps people from doing stupid and dangerous things. Things that get you horribly injured or dead. Like eating seafood from a buffet. Like picking up a snake you don’t know. Like adding one extra knife when your juggling even though it’s never gone well. Like charging face first into a super pissy Minotaur whose capabilities and general sanity you have not fully vetted. You know, stupid.

So as the manic reptilian charged at him, Shaa felt his strength abandon him. If he tried to hit him now, the attack would be so crippled and awkward that he might as well attack him with a wet noodle. He needed to bail and regroup. Fortunately for Shaa, he wasn’t going at this alone. He had summoned the souls of his deceased parents Ralah and Tee’ Grath and they were unafraid. With their arrival, they brought with them a spiritual pressure, an overwhelming presence that was suppressing Jagger’s perceived speed boost. He thought he was moving fast but, to Shaa, he was slogging towards him like a slaad who over did it on the donuts.

He let him get close. Real close. The lizard Man’s fists were raised poised to strike. Poised to smash Shaa’s face in. And then, in a blink, he vanished. Disappearing beneath the ground, Shaa makes a bee line behind Jagger 15 feet out. At the end, he digs a large pit with just enough dirt on top not to collapse. When he finishes, he pops up above ground at the back of the pit. Hey, Smiley. I was counting brain cells and this is what I came up with for you. Shaa holds up both middle fingers in an attempt to further antagonize him. Slapping his hands together, Shaa summons an enhanced 20 foot wall in front of his pit. If he guessed right, that crazed lizard would come charging through that wall to the surprise Shaa had waiting for him. Shaa turned and ran in the opposite direction, reaching into his bag for more distractions. NZBsJrJ2

---

Soil Surfing
Summon Wall ( Soul Guardian Enhanced)
Overwhelming Presence- Passive
Jolly Bag of Gifts- Evergreen Wreath
An Evergreen Wreath that definitely shouldn't fit in this bag. Upon throwing the wreath, it casts "Vine Field" the moment it hits the ground.